Storm Damage Repair Scams and What Can Be Done to Avoid This
In the aftermath of past devasting storms, the road to recovering homes can be a challenge. Many people have to clean up debris, repair their homes, and restore damage made. There are several potential threats that could occur after a severe storm. A major one is storm repair scam artists. These frauds will often con companies and homeowners. There are a few easy to be able to point this out and watch out for these scams.
Be Cautious: Storm Damage Clean-Up Scams
As storms continue to occur often and cause damage it is important to watch out for fly by night contractors with red flags such as asking for a big down payment, a price that is shockingly low, contractors without insurance, and companies without real offices. According to officials, storm damage repair scams are increasingly targeting homeowners, during their most vulnerable moments.
What Are Storm Damage Repair Scams
Storm damage repair scams are most common involving companies or individuals that take advantage of distressed homeowners in need of urgent repair services. These scams typically involve people going door to door or using aggressive online techniques that claim they will make speedy repairs to damaged homes for a “cheap price to pay” they will often ask for upfront payments and then disappear after taking your money.
How To Avoid the Scams
In efforts to avoid storm damage repair scams here are a few valuable tips, get referrals from close friends and family, do your research before hiring right away, check your contractors' credentials and ensure that they have insurance. While it’s easy to be a victim of these scams it is very important to do your research, avoid any upfront payments, get several estimates, avoid door-to-door solicitations, and check reviews on local listings.